Verse 7
7. The brethren of the poor This is probably to be understood as applying particularly to such of his brethren as are in better worldly circumstances than himself.
Hate him Not literally, but in effect; they do not care for him.
His friends Literally, his companions.
Go far from him These also keep out of the way of helping him.
He pursueth them with words Or, he is a pursuer of words; that is, promises.
They are wanting to him Literally, they are not. The latter clauses are elliptical and obscure, and the exact sense is difficult to obtain. Besides, there is a various reading, which some prefer. Thus Conant: “He follows after words these he has.” The other reading, however, is generally accepted. The Douay, after the Vulgate, makes the last clause separate, thus: “He that followeth after words only shall have nothing.”
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